How Wegovy Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle

Wegovy is a newer prescription weight loss medication that has been making headlines recently for its dramatic effects on weight loss. However, with any new medication, there are often questions about potential side effects. One common question many women have is whether Wegovy has any effects on the menstrual cycle.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a thorough look at the research that's been done so far on how Wegovy may impact menstruation. We'll also provide tips for women who decide to take Wegovy on what to expect and how to manage potential changes to their cycles.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (generic name semaglutide) is an injection prescribed for chronic weight management. It was approved by the FDA in 2021 as the highest dose of semaglutide available for weight loss. Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.

By acting on appetite centers in the brain, Wegovy decreases hunger, leading to reduced calorie intake and potential weight loss. In clinical trials, Wegovy has been shown to be very effective, with average weight loss around 15% in one year.

How Does Wegovy Lead to Weight Loss?

There are a few ways Wegovy leads to weight loss:

Reduces appetite - Wegovy blunts appetite by impacting neurotransmitters and hormones that affect hunger and fullness.
Slows stomach emptying - Wegovy slows down how quickly food empties from the stomach, leading to feelings of fullness and reduced food consumption.
Decreases calorie intake - On average, people taking Wegovy eat 10-15% fewer calories than they normally would.

Combined, these effects result in reduced food intake, which leads to weight loss over weeks and months of treatment. People taking Wegovy lose weight through decreased calorie consumption rather than increasing metabolism or fat burning.

Wegovy and Menstruation

So how does taking Wegovy affect menstruation? Since weight loss itself can impact periods, it's important to understand how the weight loss caused by Wegovy may alter the menstrual cycle.

In general, rapid weight loss is known to sometimes affect menstruation. Losing a significant amount of weight stresses the body and can lead to changes in hormone levels. This includes reproductive hormones like estrogen that control the menstrual cycle.

Because Wegovy can lead to fast weight loss for some people, especially in the first few months of treatment, it has the potential to also cause changes to your period.

Some possible effects on menstruation reported by women taking Wegovy include:

Missing periods (amenorrhea)
Light or irregular periods
Spotting between periods

These effects seem more likely if you lose weight very quickly on Wegovy. The medication itself does not directly cause menstrual changes - they occur indirectly as a result of rapid fat and weight loss.

Do Menstrual Changes From Wegovy Go Away?

For most women, menstrual irregularities that occur with Wegovy use are temporary. As your body adjusts to your new weight, hormone levels typically stabilize and periods become more regular again.

Some small studies have looked at this specifically. In one study of 36 women taking semaglutide, 17% experienced menstrual disorders in the first 6 months of treatment. However, after 12 months, menstrual disorders resolved in all the affected women.

Another study followed 99 women on semaglutide for 1 year. In the first 3 months, 25% experienced menstrual changes like missed, irregular or lighter periods. But after 12 months, all of these menstrual disorders had disappeared.

So while you may notice period changes early on, they seem to go away for most women over time. However, speak to your doctor if changes persist beyond 6 months as they may recommend adjusting your Wegovy dosage.

Tips for Managing Menstrual Changes on Wegovy

Here are some proactive tips for women who experience menstrual changes while taking Wegovy:

Track your cycles - Use a period tracking app or calendar to monitor changes.
Be prepared - Carry pads/tampons in case periods become irregular.
Ask about birth control - Hormonal birth control may help regulate bleeding.
Increase calories - Boost your calories temporarily if weight loss is too rapid.
Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water which may minimize spotting.
See your doctor - Make an appointment if periods don't normalize after 6 months.

Staying in touch with your provider if you notice sustained changes to your cycle is recommended. They may be able to adjust your Wegovy dose or recommend other interventions to get your menstrual cycle back on track.

The Bottom Line on Wegovy and Your Period

In summary, Wegovy may lead to menstrual changes including missed, irregular or lighter periods, especially in the first few months. This seems to be a side effect of the rapid weight loss seen with this medication, rather than a direct effect of the drug.

For most women, these period changes are temporary and resolve within 6-12 months. However, let your provider know if you experience sustained menstrual irregularities over months of Wegovy treatment.

With a proactive approach of tracking your cycles, being prepared for changes, and staying in touch with your doctor, you can effectively manage any effects of Wegovy on menstruation.

FAQs

Can Wegovy cause me to miss periods?

Yes, some women do experience missed or irregular periods when taking Wegovy, especially in the first few months. This seems to be related to the rapid weight loss seen with Wegovy. For most women periods normalize within 6-12 months.

Why does Wegovy affect my period?

Wegovy can lead to hormonal changes due to the weight loss it causes. Lower estrogen levels from fat loss may prevent ovulation resulting in missed or irregular periods. This impact on hormones tends to be temporary.

Should I stop taking Wegovy if I have menstrual changes?

You don't necessarily need to stop Wegovy if you notice menstrual changes. But you should let your doctor know so they can monitor and determine if any treatment adjustments are needed.

Can Wegovy make my periods lighter?

Yes, some women report lighter or shorter periods after starting Wegovy. This may be related to hormonal fluctuations and changes in the uterine lining caused by weight loss.

Will my menstrual cycle go back to normal after Wegovy?

In most cases, any menstrual changes experienced while taking Wegovy will resolve within 6-12 months. Periods typically return to normal once weight loss stabilizes and hormone levels even out.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

How Wegovy Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle | Period Changes Explained